At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team developing urban microsimulation models to impact real-world policy.
- Company: Loughborough University, a vibrant community focused on innovative research.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Mentorship from a leading researcher and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in urban health while collaborating with international experts.
- Qualifications: Strong modelling skills and a passion for urban health research.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 € per year.
Package Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 7 from £47,389 - £56,535 or grade 8 from £59,966 - £67,468, per annum. Subject to annual pay award.
School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences Full Time (37 hours per week), 3 year fixed‑term contract Hybrid: 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
Please note, we will appoint either at grade 7 or grade 8, depending on the successful candidate. There is only one vacancy available. Please indicate in your application which grade you wish to be considered for.
About the role
Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.
Key responsibilities and activities
We are seeking an ambitious and collaborative researcher to join a team developing and applying microsimulation and agent‑based models of cities, including an integrated land use, transport, and health exposure suite currently applied to Greater Manchester, and the ITHIM health impact modelling framework, as well as contributing to the development of entirely new methods and applications. This is not a narrowly defined role. We are looking for someone who combines strong modelling and simulation skills with genuine intellectual curiosity about the big questions facing cities:
- How do urban environments and transport systems shape the health and wellbeing of populations?
- How can integrated microsimulation help us understand the cascading effects of climate change, economic shocks, and policy decisions on cities and the people who live in them?
- How can we build tools that are not just technically sophisticated but genuinely useful to those making decisions?
You will bring your own ideas, help shape the direction of the programme, build collaborations, including with our international partners at TU Munich, TU Graz, the University of Utrecht, ISGlobal, and TU Berlin, and help to mentor the next generation of researchers in the group.
About the research lead
Professor James Woodcock is a world leader in quantitative modelling for urban health, with an h-index of 98 and a career spanning methods development, large‑scale modelling, and direct policy engagement at national and international level. His research addresses the full complexity of how transport and the built environment shape population health – integrating evidence on physical activity, air pollution, noise, and traffic injury into tools that are rigorous and policy‑relevant. His current research is expanding beyond mitigation to address climate adaptation, and increasingly encompasses the wider determinants of health and equity, including cost of living pressures, climate‑driven inflation shocks, and the interconnections between transport, housing and food systems.
The Senior Research Associate or Senior Research Fellow will be joining a programme at a moment of genuine ambition and growth.
Why apply?
This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting‑edge urban simulation and real‑world policy impact, within an internationally connected programme and under the direct mentorship of a leading figure in the field. You will have the chance to develop your own research agenda, build collaborations across Europe and beyond, contribute to a growing team, and work on questions that genuinely matter for the future of cities and the health of their populations. Whether your background is in transport modelling, urban simulation, spatial analysis, or a related quantitative field, if you are motivated by using models to understand and improve cities, we would love to hear from you.
Adjustments and support
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments you’d like to request please contact SSEHS-Recruitment@lboro.ac.uk. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.
Benefits
- Time off – generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Working environment – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523‑acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
- Support for you and those close to you – through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on‑site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
- Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world‑class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
- Travel and sustainability – access to our electric vehicle and cycle‑to‑work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Job details
Location: Loughborough, United Kingdom Contract type: Full Time, 3 year fixed‑term
Senior Research Associate or Fellow in Microsimulation in Loughborough employer: Karlstad University
Loughborough University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and intellectual curiosity. With generous benefits including a competitive salary, extensive holiday allowance, and access to world-class facilities, employees are supported in their professional growth and well-being. The opportunity to work alongside leading researchers in urban health and contribute to impactful projects makes this role particularly rewarding for those passionate about improving city living and public health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate or Fellow in Microsimulation in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Loughborough University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the latest research in microsimulation and urban health. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through when discussing how your skills can contribute to the team's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! Think of examples where you've worked with others to solve complex problems. This role is all about teamwork, so let us know how you can bring people together to tackle big questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate or Fellow in Microsimulation in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to see your passion for microsimulation and urban health, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or research.
Be Clear About Your Grade Preference:Since we’re considering candidates for both grade 7 and grade 8, be sure to specify which grade you’d like to be considered for in your application. This helps us streamline the process and ensures you’re evaluated appropriately.
Show Your Collaborative Spirit:We’re looking for someone who thrives in a team environment. Use your application to demonstrate past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others, especially in research settings. It’s all about building connections!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Karlstad University
✨Know Your Models
Make sure you brush up on your microsimulation and agent-based modelling skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that relate to urban environments and health impacts. This will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Understand the Big Questions
Familiarise yourself with the key questions facing cities today, such as the impact of transport systems on public health and how climate change affects urban living. Being able to articulate your thoughts on these topics will demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and alignment with the role's objectives.
✨Show Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your experience in building collaborations, especially if you've worked with international partners or in multidisciplinary teams. This role values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready for your interviewers about their current projects or future directions. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also your proactive approach to understanding the team's goals and challenges.
